"If we stand together, we can defeat him." The dark eyes half mocked, half measured. "Some say that pain is my only passion. That is not true. I love also as a woman. There are men, Kukzubas barons, who would sell their souls for my embrace." "Then why not give it?" "Why--?" The throaty laughter rippled. "Because they desire me does not mean I want them, Earthling. I seek a man of blood and iron as well as passion--a champion to aid me against Zenaor." In spite of himself, Craig smiled thinly. "Some might call that a tribute. To me, it seems left-handed." Vydys frowned, ever so slightly. "I do not understand you, alien. Would it be such punishment to sit beside me, ruling Lysor?" And then, eager again: "For we can do it, with your valor and the weapon they say you received from the one called Tumek." "The weapon--!" "Yes. A crystal, to win power even over the Xumarian ourobos my spies say Zenaor plans to use against the Baemae. You have it, do you not?" * * * * * She drew closer as she spoke. Her hands slid over him, touched the jewel-case where it lay flat against his body. Before he could stop her, she had it out and open. "So--! This is the thing! A pretty bauble...." Craig didn't answer. "How do you use it, alien?" "I don't know." "You don't know!" The smooth face stiffened. "Or ... is it that you won't tell me?" Craig shrugged. "Have it as you want it." For an instant the woman's nostrils flared. Then, once again, she was close to him--her breasts, her body, smooth and firm against him. "Please, Earthman! Do not make me believe that you are one of those who can love no woman!" Craig held his silence. A flush came to Vydys' dark, lovely face. She stepped back, eyes bright with anger. "Is it another, then--that blonde hag, Narla?" Craig's fists clenched. His shoulders stiffened. "It is, then! You'd scorn me for her!" Vydys' scarlet lips peeled back. "Very well! You shall have her--as soon as you give me the secret of the crystal!" Sweat came to Craig Nesom's forehead. "I can't tell you what I don't know." "You leave me little choice, then." Vydys was almost purring. "I must have protection against Zenaor and his ourobos. Unless you share the crystal's secret with me, I shall be forced to sell the wench back to her father for tanagree oil to drive off the slime-monsters." Dry-lipped, Craig said, "So be it." "But I had such pleasant fantasies of how I would amuse myself with her in my torture chambers!" Vydys' eyes grew wide and doleful. "There are so many things that one can try! And a young, nubile girl may live for hours...." Craig bit down hard to keep from shuddering. "But since you will not help me--" Vydys sighed, turned, walked up the dais. "At least, your death shall entertain my favorites." Craig would have lunged for her, then.